Spain is deploying its military to the North African enclave of Ceuta after thousands of migrants overwhelmed the territory’s border with Morocco, prompting a major security response as officials confirmed at least nine people died during the crossings.

 

The Spanish government said the Armed Forces will support the Civil Guard in restoring order after local officials warned the city could no longer handle the influx.

 

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected to visit Ceuta as Madrid scrambles to contain the crisis.

 

The surge marks one of the largest migrant waves to hit Ceuta since 2021, when more than 8,000 people entered the Spanish territory over two days, triggering a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Morocco.

 

“The situation is absolute chaos,” Rachid Sbihi, who heads an association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, told The Associated Press. “It’s not possible to give precise numbers, but there are thousands of migrants crossing.”

 

Spain’s government delegation in Ceuta said at least nine people died Thursday, though officials did not immediately explain the circumstances.

 

According to the AP, bodies were seen floating in the water as rescue and security operations continued.

 

Video from the area showed large groups of migrants entering Ceuta through the Tarajal border area, with many arriving by swimming around coastal barriers separating Morocco from Spanish territory. Most appeared to be young men, though families with women and children were also among those crossing.